Bahrain Launches Life-Saving Health Campaign at The Avenues Mal

Daily Tribune

18-06-2025

Bahrain has launched a three‑day public health campaign at The Avenues Mall to remind everyone of a life‑saving truth: catching illness early makes treatment easier and outcomes better.
The 'Early Detection Saves Lives' event was opened on Wednesday by Lt‑Gen Dr. Shaikh Mohamed bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Supreme Council of Health. Health Minister Dr. Jalila bint Al Sayed Jawad Hassan joined him, along with doctors, nurses and representatives from across Bahrain's medical sector.
Why the campaign matters
Bahrain's National Team for Combating Non‑Communicable Diseases (NCDs) designed the initiative to boost awareness of regular health checks, especially for long‑term illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The organisers say routine screening can dramatically cut deaths by spotting problems before symptoms appear.
One top priority is colorectal cancer – still among the most common cancers in Bahrain. To make screening easier, Primary Healthcare Centres are rolling out the high‑accuracy FIT (faecal immunochemical test), which looks for hidden blood in the stool and can flag early warning signs.
A national push for prevention
Dr. Shaikh Mohamed praised Bahrain's health workers for 'taking public‑education programmes out into the community', adding that early‑diagnosis projects are a pillar of the National Health Plan (2016‑2025) and Bahrain Economic Vision 2030.
Health Minister Dr. Jalila urged shoppers and families to stop by the pop‑up clinic inside the mall. 'A five‑minute test today could protect your health for years,' she said, calling early checks a 'practical step that shows how Bahrain is shifting toward preventive, high‑quality care'.
What visitors can expect
Free guidance on healthy eating, exercise and quitting smoking
On‑the‑spot medical advice from family doctors
Information stands explaining the FIT kit and other screenings
Fun, interactive displays aimed at children and teens
Primary Healthcare Centres chief executive Dr. Ijlal Faisal Al‑Alawi said The Avenues was chosen so the message 'reaches people where they already are'. She hopes the mall setting will normalise screening and spark family conversations about prevention.
The event runs through Friday evening. Everyone aged 40 and above—or younger adults with a family history of NCDs—is encouraged to drop in, ask questions and book their next check‑up.